The Senate has confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new U.S. Secretary of Defense after a tightly contested vote.
According to Fox News, the confirmation required Vice President JD Vance to exercise his tie-breaking authority following an even Senate divide.
Pete Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer, faced significant scrutiny during his confirmation process. His military background was underpinned by endorsements from many of his Republican colleagues who believe his warrior ethos and conservative perspectives will steer the Pentagon in a new direction. However, his nomination was met with resistance due to prior financial management concerns and his behavior outside of professional settings.
In a dramatic session on Friday, the split Senate saw Republican Senators like Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joining the opposition, typically composed of Democrats. The 50-50 deadlock resulted in the necessity for Vice President JD Vance to cast the decisive vote. His action confirmed Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense, promoting a wave of celebration among some Republicans.
During the confirmation hearing earlier this month, Pete Hegseth addressed various issues that questioned his suitability for the role. Beyond his military service, contentious issues included mishandling funds within veterans' organizations and personal misconduct.
Senator Lindsey Graham praised Hegseth’s military service and vision for the department, emphasizing his readiness for the position:
Senator Ted Cruz called him a "change agent." Similarly, Senator Markwayne Mullin expressed jubilation over the confirmation, proclaiming it a victory for America.
"He did an excellent job during a very contentious hearing and withstood all the attacks that came his way. He is bullish on creating a larger, more lethal military and is clear-eyed about America’s enemies, including Iran. Israel will have no better friend than Pete Hegseth," Senator Graham remarked.
The dissent was led by prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who questioned Hegseth's ability to manage the mammoth budget of the Department of Defense given his past financial mismanagement. Schumer and others, like Senator Adam Schiff, voiced that Hegseth’s previous actions and decisions do not align with the high standards expected for the role of Secretary of Defense.
"Our troops deserve better than someone as erratic and unqualified as Pete Hegseth," stated Senator Schumer, expressing a stark contrast to the praise of Republican counterparts.
Despite such criticisms, Pete Hegseth has stated his commitment to abstain from alcohol during his tenure and has attempted to mitigate concerns regarding his previous views on women in combat roles and personal conduct.
In his remarks post-confirmation, Hegseth promised to focus on increasing the military’s lethality and improving recruitment strategies. GOP members like Senator Roger Marshall and Senator Mike Lee have backed his vision of streamlining efforts and enhancing the efficiency of the defense department.
This confirmation stands as a significant partisan victory for Republicans who view Hegseth as a pillar in reforming military policies. On the other hand, it serves as a contentious point for Democrats who fear his past controversies might overshadow his capabilities to lead.
Overall, the appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense concludes a divisive chapter in recent political dealings, reflecting deeper ideological divides and setting the stage for future debates over military and defense policy in the United States.
